Friends plan tribute to Lewis Driskell, Flint business pioneer and 'tireless community activist'

Lewis Driskell is shown in front of Union Printing Company, which he purchased in 1973. Diskell is being honored with a community tribute Saturday, June 14.Flint Journal file photo

FLINT, MI -- Lewis Driskell ran one of the city's most enduring businesses and served for decades on key Flint board and commissions.

On Saturday, June 14, friends will recognize Driskell for his contributions and community service with a tribute program. Tickets and sponsorships are available until midnight Monday, June 9.

"Lewis has been such a community activist. He served so many organizations (that) do a lot for the community," said Louis Hawkins, one of four members of the Friends of Lewis Driskell Committee, which organized the brunch.

"He's done all of this from his heart," Hawkins said. "He's been genuinely involved because he cares about the community."

The tribute is planned for 10 a.m. at the Flint Golf Club, 3100 Lakewood Drive, and tickets are $50 with proceeds benefiting Driskell, whose Union Printing burned in 2012 after he operated it for more than 38 years.

According to information from the tribute committee, Driskell worked with three printing companies in Flint before purchasing Union Printing. He was elected president of Flint Printers Local 282 in 1969.

In 1989, he received the State of Michigan Outstanding Minority Business Entrepreneur Award and the Sydney B. Melet Humanitarian Award.

In 1990, he received the C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year Award from the Flint Chamber of Commerce and the Paul Harris Award from the Flint Rotary International.

Among the groups Driskell served as a board member are the Urban League of Flint, Greater Flint Opportunities Industrialization Center, Hurley Hospital Authority Board, Uptown Reinvestment Board, Planned Parenthood and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

He was a Flint Area Chamber of Commerce member and a founder of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

Hawkins said organizers of the brunch want to celebrate "a pioneering entrepreneur and tireless community activist who is still serving selflessly to make a positive difference in our community."

For more information, tickets or sponsorships for the tribute, call Hawkins by midnight Monday at 810-423-1039.